Sudie Rakusin's Blog, page 2

Savannah Blue's Birthday Party at Glee Kids & Kidzu

On a recent Saturday morning, I had an opportunity to introduce Savannah Blue and her sisters to a group of children in Chapel Hill, and it was so much fun!

Glee Kids in University Mall on Franklin Street, a wonderful children's shop that specializes in clothing and gifts for babies and kids 0 to 8 years old, has created a cozy reading corner in the store that showcases great books for kids. The owner, Melissa Russell, has begun a new program called A Look Inside the Book to bring local children's authors into the store to read. I was invited to read from the Dear Calla Roo…Love, Savannah Blue books and had a wonderful time sharing with the sweet group of children who turned out to hear me.

Here I am holding Stinky Pinky, Savannah Blue's stuffed animal that is featured in the first book in the series. She was a hit with the kids.

The program is co-hosted by Kidzu Children's Museum, Chapel Hill's hands-on museum that caters to the same age group, kids 0 to 8 years old, that Glee Kids focuses on.

After the reading concluded at Glee Kids, we all walked a few doors down in University Square to Kidzu's Kidoodle Moodle Art Studio where we created party hats to celebrate Savannah Blue's third birthday.

I have been invited back to read and make art this summer, and am looking forward to the return visit. As it approaches, I'll keep you posted on the date.

If you have a chance, you should check out both of these great places for kids!

Savannah Blue’s Birthday Party at Glee Kids & Kidzu

On a recent Saturday morning, I had an opportunity to introduce Savannah Blue and her sisters to a group of children in Chapel Hill, and it was so much fun!

Glee Kids in University Mall on Franklin Street, a wonderful children’s shop that specializes in clothing and gifts for babies and kids 0 to 8 years old, has created a cozy reading corner in the store that showcases great books for kids. The owner, Melissa Russell, has begun a new program called A Look Inside the Book to bring local children’s authors into the store to read. I was invited to read from the Dear Calla Roo…Love, Savannah Blue books and had a wonderful time sharing with the sweet group of children who turned out to hear me.

Here I am holding Stinky Pinky, Savannah Blue’s stuffed animal that is featured in the first book in the series. She was a hit with the kids.

The program is co-hosted by Kidzu Children’s Museum, Chapel Hill’s hands-on museum that caters to the same age group, kids 0 to 8 years old, that Glee Kids focuses on.

After the reading concluded at Glee Kids, we all walked a few doors down in University Square to Kidzu’s Kidoodle Moodle Art Studio where we created party hats to celebrate Savannah Blue’s third birthday.

I have been invited back to read and make art this summer, and am looking forward to the return visit. As it approaches, I’ll keep you posted on the date.

If you have a chance, you should check out both of these great places for kids!

10th Anniversary of The Second Coloring Book for Big Girls!

It is hard to believe that I published The Second Coloring Book for Big Girls: Spirits & Goddesses ten years ago, but a check of the copyright page insists that is the case. To commemorate this anniversary, I wanted to celebrate the book's success by making it even better. I am releasing a brand-new 10th Anniversary Edition with 8 additional drawings to color–and I am keeping the price the same as it has always been. I hope you'll check it out! And, remember, if you order in time for Christmas, you'll receive a free copy of Savannah Blue's Activity Book and if you spend $20, you'll also receive a free copy of my Dreams and Shadows Illustrated Blank Journal. Happy coloring!

Goings-on!

Whew!

I just wrapped up two weeks that were packed full of events and I'm not quite done yet.

If you are in town but haven't been to FRANK in Chapel Hill this month, please stop in and check out my Featured Artist show.

Me with Chorus of Saints at FRANK. Photo copyright Barbara Tyroler 2011.

I have all 19 paintings in the Chorus of Saints series hanging there, and it is truly gratifying for me to be able to see all of them – this large body of work – displayed together in one place. I spoke on October 13 during FRANK's TGI Thursday event and enjoyed sharing the Saints and the story of how they inspired the Journey Cards with the wonderful group of people who turned out to listen and discuss.

The audience at TGI Thursday Salon.Photo copyright Barbara Tyroler 2011.

This past Wednesday, I hosted a bridal shower painting party at my studio for Betty, a beautiful bride-to-be, and the amazing women who are supporting and celebrating her as she transitions into married life. I purchased a large piece of canvas and prepared it for painting, and then spread out paints in all colors, including gold, silver, and copper; glue guns; gorgeous ribbons; beads; colorful tissue for decoupage; sequins; and bunches of dried berries, flowers, and leaves. The women brought photos and other mementos they wanted to include. We spent four hours painting, gluing, and partying and had a great time creating a one-of-a-kind keepsake for the bride.

Then on Saturday, I had a wonderful time participating in a pre-wedding centering ceremony for Betty's bridal party using the Journey Cards. Now, I'm trying to catch my breath while I'm also finishing up a new large painting (pics posted later this week! hint-it's visible in one of the painting party photos), starting an even newer painting, and, last but not least, preparing to experience Paris with Karen Kane of Paris by Design! I had to renew my passport and ask for expedited service, but, thankfully, the new one has arrived, so all that's left is to decide which shoes to pack….

Have a lovely week, everyone!

P.S. If you have a milestone coming up that you'd like to celebrate, please consider having a painting party at my studio. We can devise a gathering that will suit your personality and help you create some great memories with your guests!

The Origin of the Journey Cards

Have you seen my deck of Journey Cards yet?

We launched them this summer in time for the Michigan Womyn's Music Festival and also were able to take them to Sisterspace Weekend in Maryland. I have been deeply moved by the warm response I've received to them, and would love to hear what you think about the cards  or any stories you would like to share about how you are using them in your life.

The deck grew out of my Chorus of Saints paintings. When I showed images of the saints to a friend, he suggested I make them into cards. Over time, the idea of using them as the foundation for my own original divination deck formulated itself in my mind. Now, many years later, here they are!

If you'd like to see the Saints paintings in person, please stop in to FRANK, 109 East Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 between October 4 and November 6 to see my Featured Artist show. All 19 of the original Saints paintings will be hanging! Also, I will be at the gallery on October 13 during FRANK's TGI Thursday event to talk about how the paintings led to the creation of the Journey Cards deck. My short presentation will begin at 6:30 that evening, but I will be available to meet you and chat between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. I do hope you'll come out!

If you're interested, you can learn more about the Journey Cards on my website – they are listed under the Books & Cards tab – or you can see them on display at FRANK.

Debut of MY FAMILY TREE at FRANK in Chapel Hill

It's been a long time coming, but My Family Tree is now finished, photographed, and hanging at FRANK in Chapel Hill as part of StoryMakers: an exhibit of narrative art! I hope you'll come out in person to the gallery to see the 3-D painting up close – the Opening Reception is tomorrow, Friday, March 11 from 6-9 p.m. at 109 East Franklin Street; the show hangs through April 24, 2011 – but if you can't make it, as promised, here is a photo:

 

My Family Tree, ©Sudie Rakusin, 2010

Some of the fun details that may be difficult to see:

the papier-maché eagle hangs in front of the painting; the papier-maché beaded iguana is free-standing and sits on top of the shelf that houses the working drawer the papier-maché frog peeks out of; the disk on the far left in the tree flips up to reveal my self-portrait; the door at the top right opens and closes in a frame with hinges; and the painting on the wall to the left of the door is a separate, miniature painting hung on the larger canvas.

As I mentioned in a previous post, this painting took many months to complete, and many major life events occurred during its creation. Therefore, it holds a very special place in my heart. It is also possible this will be the final piece in this series of large 3-D paintings. After I finished it, I started dreaming of paintings that I could do on smaller round or oval canvases, and I cannot be certain how far I will go with those. More on that later!

I'd love to hear what you think of this piece, and I really do hope you will come out to FRANK to check out the show. It features work by artists: Nancy Baker, Carmen Elliot, Henryk Fantazos, Jane Filer, Patrick Fitzgerald, Charlotte Foust, Jean LeCluyse, Michele Maynard, Luna Lee Ray, Kirsten Stingle, Quentin Warshauer, and Aggie Zed. In addition, you will find lovely work by all of the FRANK artists you already know and love.

Visiting Artist of the Month – Martha Hamblin

G. Martha Hamblin

What is your favorite medium?

I spend most of my time working in photography, and I love it. I also love immersing myself—sometimes literally—in clay, and playing with mixed media. My first foray into clay was a class on photo imaging on clay with Hollie Taylor. So there was an instant fit between the two media. While that work was fun, I found it involved more process than I wanted, so I'm not doing that now. It was the tactile part of clay that really appealed to me and still does. That said, a lot of process happens between the initial concept and the final creation in both the photography and clay work I do. It would seem that lengthy process is an integral part of how and what I create.

Where do your ideas come from?

Photographic ideas seem to present themselves. Because nature and travel comprise most of my photographic work, in a sense, I find the ideas rather than them coming to me. I delight in the surprise of seeing a composition, noticing a certain light. There's an old photographic adage from the film days, "f8 and be there." Loosely, that means have the tools ready, be prepared and be where opportunity presents itself. I still follow that to a large degree. With clay, I find that I am inspired and influenced by my travels, other artists, books, architecture and friends. With all my creative work, spiritual teachings play a big role.

When is your favorite time to work?

Working in the early morning light is magical for image making. There's nothing like watching the world wake up and spring to life, whether it's in a city, at the edge of the Grand Canyon, or in a garden. Those moments when the silence and stillness of the night linger, like the pause between breathing in and out, hold a special fascination. The end of the day is subtly different, yet offers its own enchantment. If I am spending more time making pottery, I often work late into the night. Nighttime is also when I do a lot of photo editing. I get absorbed, the hours evaporate, and suddenly it is late. Of course, that absorption happens any time of day or night!

Where is your favorite place to work?

I love working outdoors, especially in nature, but also in urban environments. The best way to work with natural light is to be in it. Beyond the visual, the sounds and smells, and sometimes the tastes and textures, add to the experience of creating my work. I have a wonderful studio, recently greatly improved when my brother added some storage space and a work surface. And some work takes place in the dining room. When the weather is warm enough, I move outside to make my clay pieces. I also really enjoy working in the studios at the Clay Centre in Carrboro. The space is ideal, and the talented potters there inspire me.

When did you know you were (or would be) an artist?

Ah, do I dare call myself an artist? My sister is the real artist in the family. She can do and create anything! And my brother can build anything. I hesitate to call myself an artist and sometimes feel like a charlatan describing myself as one. I first considered myself a real photographer when one of my photos was accepted in a juried show and then published about 25 years ago. More recently, I was surprised and delighted when someone I didn't even know exclaimed over and wanted to buy a piece of pottery I had made. So, I am slowly internalizing and claiming that identity.

Was there any one person who was instrumental in your becoming an artist?

Many people over the years—friends, family, co-workers, teachers—have contributed to my being an artist. The one person who has been unfailingly supportive is my husband, John. He loaned me a Nikon camera in 1979, and that fueled my nascent passion for photography. He has a terrific eye, accommodates chaos all over the house before a show, does most of the cooking, takes care of the cat, and encourages me in every way.

What is the biggest lesson you've had to learn the hard way?

There really are only 24 hours in a day. I sometimes still delude myself about that and take on too much. Saying no to others and yes to my art is something at which I'm becoming more adept, and yet it is still a challenge.

What structures do you have in place to preserve your creative time and/or encourage yourself to stay engaged in your art?

I have a golden hour first thing in the morning that I strive to keep sacrosanct. I use this time to reflect and plan, often while I am out walking in the calmness of the early morning. Scheduling time away by myself is not quite a structure, but a technique and strategy. Classes, workshops and conferences provide a literal structure for learning, and thus staying engaged. For instance, I sign up for a clay class several times a year in order to have the structure of "having" to work in clay for at least one day a week. Often the energy and collective wisdom and experience of colleagues, classmates and attendees at these things re-invigorate me and offer more than the actual course material or techniques being taught.

Are there any sacrifices you feel you've needed to make in order to pursue your art in a serious manner?

I have sacrificed sleep more than once. More seriously, I have foregone other career opportunities, at which I might have made more money—and been far less happy. Sometimes time to spend with friends and family is more limited than I would like. I know that isn't unique to me or any other artist.

What is your biggest struggle when it comes to being an artist?

Finding the balance between making art, marketing art, maintaining relationships and the daily demands of life is a challenge. Because I have a wide variety of interests, part of this struggle involves staying focused and valuing my time appropriately. Some days seem to skitter away like water drops on a hot griddle.

What is your biggest joy when it comes to being an artist?

That is a toss-up between the deep satisfaction of feeling that a photograph or piece of pottery completely expresses my thoughts and feelings, and the pleasure of someone else responding to the work. When another person pauses before, or exclaims, sighs or muses over a photo, or reaches out to touch or caress a clay creation, we have connected. That feeling is incomparable. I'd be lying if I said it doesn't matter at all if nobody buys my art. When someone is willing to exchange their hard-earned cash for my work because the art will somehow enhance her or his life, or that of a friend, I am honored and gratified.

How do you recharge your batteries?

I take a busman's holiday. I move away from the computer and get close to nature with my camera. I might go to the beach, the mountains, a botanical garden or the backyard. I wander so I can wonder. I make a point of spending time with other people's work. Perhaps paradoxically, I also take classes, and go to seminars and conventions. I'll take a class in an area that is different than photography or clay. They help to prime the pump.

See More of Martha's Work at her Website,

 http://www.photophish.com

 

Visiting Artist of the Month – Marianita Stevans

What is your favorite medium?

I work mainly in oils. I also use gold leaf, plexi, and fabric. 

Where do your ideas come from?

My ideas are born in my journal work. It is there that I react to the world around me and the people in it. I am most interested in how we interact and relate to each other. My paintings begin with words that are gold leafed on linen and it is during that process that the imagery evolves.

When is your favorite time to work?

I like to start in the early hours of the day now that my studio is outside of my house. If it were in my house, I would be working late at night in the comfort of my pajamas!

Where is your favorite place to work?

My studio.

When did you know you were (or would be) an artist?

I have always known I am an artist. I actually began life in the musical arts. I studied the piano for ten years through childhood at the Peabody Prep in Baltimore and thought that music was going to be my career path. Circumstances of life changed things and I landed in the visual arts. They are really the same in that they both require quiet observation, studied interpretation and creative transformation.

Was there any one person who was instrumental in your becoming an artist?

I set that path…wonderful people have guided me along, but I just was never going to be anything but an artist.

What is the biggest lesson you've had to learn the hard way?

Not to waste time.

What structures do you have in place to preserve your creative time and/or encourage yourself to stay engaged in your art?

I drop my daughter at school, go to the studio and work until it is time to pick her up. My productivity is directly linked to her schedule. When she is not in school, I am a full time, single mother.

Are there any sacrifices you feel you've needed to make in order to pursue your art in a serious manner?

Yes, I gave up a successful career as a textile designer and business owner to follow my inner voice. 

What is your biggest struggle when it comes to being an artist?

M-O-N-E-Y!!!!!

What is your biggest joy when it comes to being an artist?

Living an authentic life.

How do you recharge your batteries?

I am hoping I will have the luxury of recharging time in my next life!

See More of Marianita's work at her website, http://mstevans.fineartstudioonline.com/

More Additions to My Family Tree

I'm nearly finished with the 3-D painting I'm calling My Family Tree! I have invested months of my life in it, and yet it still feels kind of strange to be so close to the end.

I'm including in this painting my first self-portrait (that includes my face) in more than 20 years.

This small painting is on a disk hidden behind a door among the branches of the actual tree that fills the center of the painting.  I'm wearing the mended heart necklace by artist Mirinda Kossoff that is helping me heal from several losses I suffered during the time I have been creating this painting.  (You can see more of Mirinda's art here!)

Other new additions include this Blue Poison Dart Frog hiding sweetly in a drawer at the bottom of the painting:

 and this iguana balancing on a shelf. (And, if you are wondering why she looks beaded, it's because she is!)

I'm thinking of exhibiting this painting in a special show at FRANK in Chapel Hill in the spring of 2011, so I may have to keep the real thing hidden for a few more months, but I hope to have the finished piece photographed within a week and look forward to sharing the images with you here as soon as I have them.

Visiting Artist of the Month – Mirinda Kossoff

What is your favorite medium?

Wow. It's hard to make a choice, but I guess I'd have to say both jewelry and mixed media encaustic, though I design and create more jewelry.

Where do your ideas come from?

I might be inspired by something I see while walking my dog – the shape of a leaf or an insect or pod (I especially like the pod shape). Other artists inspire me all the time. I also love to travel and I get lots of visual and design stimulation when I'm out of my routine and my every-day environment.

When is your favorite time to work?

I'm most productive in the afternoons and evenings. I'm not much of a morning person.

Where is your favorite place to work?

I enjoy working in my studio, even though I have to work there since all my jewelry tools, torches, and materials are there. The same is true for my painting/collage studio. Both studios are places of refuge where I can get to my authentic self and also allow myself some creative play as well as work.

When did you know you were an artist?

I didn't come to art until later in life, after my sons were grown and building lives of their own. I've always loved jewelry, from the time I was a small child, so it's no surprise that I ended up being a jeweler when I had more time to pursue the training and then the practice of my craft.

Was there any one person who was instrumental in your becoming an artist?

Yes, it was Sue Anderson who taught a course called "Accessing Your Creativity" at the Carrboro Art School. She created a stimulating and safe environment in which to explore many different art forms. Sometimes my hands would start moving and making shapes in a piece of clay without my brain (and my internal critic) getting involved – and that was truly exciting. It was in Sue's class that I got hooked on mixed media collage.

What is the biggest lesson you've had to learn the hard way?

Patience! That I have to allow some pieces – both beginning jewelry forms and mixed media encaustic – to sit for a while until I know what to do with them next. If I wait long enough, the piece will tell me what it needs.

What structures do you have in place to preserve your creative time and/or encourage yourself to stay engaged in your art?

I'm not sure I have that one solved yet. But I try to put in time in one of my studios every day. It's not difficult to stay engaged, because I'm always getting new ideas that I'm in a hurry to try out, to see emerge in solid form.

Are there any sacrifices you feel you've needed to make in order to pursue your art in a serious manner?

Yes, a steady income for one and time for other pursuits. Since I left my day job to make jewelry full time, I work longer hours and on weekends, but it doesn't feel like work, because I love it so much.

What is your biggest struggle when it comes to being an artist?

Wanting everything I do to be perfect – and it never is. And marketing myself!

What is your biggest joy when it comes to being an artist?

Seeing a piece come together and knowing that it's right. Having the freedom to express myself.

How do you recharge your batteries?

I go out into nature, get exercise, or go to a museum or gallery.

Bye the Sea, Mixed Media Encaustic

See More of Mirinda's work at her website, www.jewelrybymirinda.com